Real Madrid capture Coentrao from Benfica
Reuters - Tuesday 05 July 2011, 12:13
MADRID - Spanish giants Real Madrid have
signed Portugal left-back Fabio Coentrao from Benfica on a
six-year contract for a fee of 30 million euros,
the clubs said on Tuesday.
"Fabio Coentrao officially became Real Madrid's latest
signing by signing a six-season contract with the club after
passing his medical," Real said in a statement on their website.
Benfica had announced the deal in a statement earlier on
Tuesday.
Coentrao, 23, had a contract with the Portuguese club until
2016 and is regarded as one of the most promising left-backs in
Europe.
He is the fifth squad reinforcement of the close season for
Real's Portuguese coach Jose Mourinho following the acquisitions
of Turkey midfielders Nuri Sahin and Hamit Altintop, French
defender Raphael Varane and Spanish forward Jose Callejon.
Coentrao joined Benfica from Rio Ave in 2007 as a winger but
failed to make an impact in his first season and went on three
consecutive loan spells, including a short and unimpressive one
at Spanish club Real Zaragoza.
Benfica coach Jorge Jesus recalled Coentrao in 2009
andconverted him into a speedy and tricky left-back who became
akey member of the team who won the Portuguese Premier
Leaguetitle in 2010 for the first time in five years.
Coentrao's fine club form earned him a place in the national
team and he impressed at last year's World Cup.
"The left-back is solid in attack, has excellent dribbling
skills, has a powerful shot and is extremely versatile, which
allows him to play in any winger position," Real said.
Real spokesman Oscar Ribot could not immediately be reached
to comment on Spanish media reports that the club's Argentine
defender Ezequiel Garay would be sold to Benfica for 10 million
euros and Netherlands midfielder Royston Drenthe would be loaned
to the Portuguese club.